Marijuana Support at an All-Time High

We are currently experiencing the final gasps of the anti-marijuana agenda in the U.S., evidenced by more and more Americans not only support cannabis in theory, but also in practice. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs recently published a report showing that daily use of marijuana among adults is on the rise since 2007, while teen use is actually dropping.

Findings showed daily use increased among all age groups between 18 to 64, with an insignificant lead in the data among 18 to 34-year-olds. Non-daily use increased across all adult categories as well, but especially among 26- to 34-year-olds. The most likely cause is the wave of states that have legalized marijuana in some form. California is one of nine states (with a guest appearance by Washington, D.C.) that has total legalization for adult use. The number jumps to 29 when counting states with medical marijuana laws. The specifics vary by state, but the fact of the matter is Americans are discovering the health and recreational benefits of marijuana and incorporating it into their daily lives. The study was put together by researchers from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York. Results were compiled based on more than 700,000 respondents ages 12 and older to the 2002-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The increase of use mirrors the increase of support for marijuana legalization across the country. A Quinnipiac University poll released in April showed nationwide support of recreational marijuana legalization at 63 percent, the highest yet in the university’s surveys. This data is coming from a sampling of participants in which only 22 percent said they lived in a state where it was currently legal, showing the interest is spreading. This aligns roughly with the number of respondents who believe marijuana is not a gateway drug at 61 percent.

Positive responses for medical marijuana legalization have typically been higher in such polls, and this survey is no different, with support coming in at a staggering 93 percent. Furthermore, 70 percent of participants said the federal government has no business enforcing federal bans on states that have their own permissive laws in place. Despite all of this support, though, cannabis users are still facing resistance from a dying ideology. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made it well known his feeling on marijuana. A majority of states still are nervous about recreational use, despite massive shifts in public opinion. Even in states where there is legalization, many overly protective restrictions have been put in place to appease those still caught up in fear-based hysteria over cannabis.

That’s why our trusted Los Angeles medical marijuana attorneys are always on the ready. Cannabis freedoms are at an all time high, but don’t let that cloud your awareness of the many restrictions that are still in place. Some officials are just waiting for someone to slip-up so they can enforce archaic laws in any way they can. If that should happen, our attorneys are prepared to protect your rights. We are proud to stand alongside the majority of Americans in the fight for cannabis laws to recognize the positive uses for marijuana and finally align with the will of the people.

The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients, defendants, workers and those facing criminal marijuana charges. Call us at 714-937-2050.